Car accidents are a leading cause of wrongful death in the United States. According to Fortune, 2016 was the deadliest year on our country’s roads in nearly a decade. The risk of crashing is particularly high over Memorial Day weekend, when the roads are congested with holiday traffic and plagued by drunk drivers.
Although there are steps you can take to reduce your risk of crashing, all it takes is one drunk, distracted, or negligent motorist to cause a tragedy. If the worst happens and you suffer an injury or lose a loved one due to a reckless driver, contact The Law Office of Brian K. Branch, PC.
Our attorneys have more than 32 years of combined legal experience, and we will help you fight for the maximum compensation. Call 505-207-4401 to schedule a free consultation with a wrongful death attorney in Albuquerque.
6 Ways to Avoid a Collision on Your Memorial Day Road Trip
Driving long distances on unfamiliar roads comes with unique dangers, but the following safety tips can help you reach your destination unscathed:
- Map out Your Route: Your GPS is an excellent navigation tool, but mapping out your route will help you create a time schedule and identify potentially congested roads. Google Maps and Waze are both free and can provide valuable insights into your planned route.
- Visit Your Mechanic: You can avoid breakdowns and possibly lengthen the life of your engine by servicing your vehicle before your trip.
- Write Down the Phone Number of Roadside Assistance: You might not like to think about breaking down, but it is important that you plan for the worst. Find out if your insurance company offers roadside assistance, and record the contact number before you depart.
- Keep Your Children Entertained: Drivers who carry passengers are up to 60 percent more likely to be in a crash that results in hospitalization. Rambunctious kids can be particularly distracting, so remember to bring a tablet, toys, or a puzzle book to keep your children entertained.
- Put Your Cell Phone on Silent: According to gov, approximately 431,000 people sustained injuries in distracted-driving wrecks in 2014. Cell phone use was a primary contributing factor in these collisions. Remember to put your phone on silent, resist the urge to gawk at crash scenes and billboards, and ask a passenger to adjust the audio and climate controls so you can focus on the road.
- Do Not Drink and Drive: In 2014, drunk driving caused nearly one-third of all traffic deaths. The easiest way to prevent alcohol-related collisions is to stay sober if you intend to drive.
Although these six tips can help you avoid some of the most common causes of accidents, all it takes is one negligent driver to cause a tragedy. If you or someone you love is injured on a Memorial Day road trip, contact The Law Office of Brian K. Branch, PC.
Our attorneys will gather evidence, interview witnesses, calculate your damages, and help you fight for the maximum payout. Call 505-207-4401 to schedule a free consultation with a head injury lawyer in Albuquerque.